Right, this probably sounds like a silly motif to talk about—the dang parchment is called The Declaration of Independence, after all.

It's important to remember, however, that Jefferson is writing this text as a declaration. It's not a document meant to convince Britain to allow America to be independent (which wouldn't have worked, given they were already at war about the whole business).

Instead, it's a statement that the colonies were free even without their sovereign's permission. From now on, "they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them" (46). Don't be fooled by all of the "oughts" Jefferson includes in the final paragraph—he doesn't mean ought as in "well that would be nice," but as in "must."

Part of the way that Jefferson adds forcefulness to his text is through language that makes the declaration seem inevitable. Separating from Britain, as with any group separating from an abusive overlord, is "necessary" (1). Or, to put it another way, "it is their right, it is their duty" (6). The list of King George III's abuses doesn't waver in its assertion that the king did all these things, and firmly gives each as fact.

The text goes so far as to directly say that, "A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people" (39). There seems to be little option here, the colonies have to break away.

This is no longer a plea, but a declaration of something that has already occurred…whether the British like it or not.